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Summer. The time seems to come and go so quickly, with all of the fun in the sun, time at the pool and road trips many people wait all year to do. People do their best to make the most of these warm months, but summer can bring as much joy as it can bring an increase in stress. One reason for the stress is the sense of anxiousness and hurriedness many people feel in trying to get it all done.

From the perspective of the local police departments, it is a time of year they hope people will realize that safety and fun can go hand in hand. Sgt. Steven Lewis of the Chesterfield Police Department said it is easy for people to keep their neighborhoods safe during this time.

“The No. 1 thing is to participate in your community,” Lewis said. “Look out for each other.”

Lewis said this includes taking advantage of the increased visibility of police officers in area communities during the summer. He also said motor vehicle theft, from windows being left down, and vandalism, due to teens with more free time, also increases during the summer. Officials suggest that cars be kept locked and in safe areas, with valuable items inside well hidden from outsiders.

Officials also ask that people participate in their community by taking the time to report suspicious behavior to the police. They said that reporting other issues that increase in summer, like curfew violations, loitering and disturbing the peace, also helps decrease other issues in the community.

“Some think, ‘I don’t want to bother the police’,” said Cpt. Bobbie Saulters of the Ballwin Police Department.

Saulters suggests people go with their gut feeling because sometimes something seen as small or insufficient can turn into something dangerous.

“They need to be our eyes and ears when we’re not there,” Saulters said.

In terms of personal safety, there is an emphasis placed on child safety because they tend to be more active outside, whether they are at camp or in their own neighborhood.

Officials said they understand it is easy for people to become easily distracted with so much going on. This is another reason why increased awareness of others in one’s community is so important to them.

Saulters suggests that either parents or another adult supervise all activities and be aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times, including contact with the parents of their child’s friends.

The importance of distinguishing strangers from people children can trust and turn to if in danger or injured also is emphasized.

“There is no place exempt from crime,” Saulters said. “But together we can make it as safe as possible.”

A favorite activity for children and adults is bike riding. But it also is a major cause of summertime accidents and injuries. Officials recommend that children learn the basic rules of the road when riding in their neighborhood. A lack of proper protection is another common reason for bicycle injuries.

“It is so easy to get a helmet and have it properly adjusted,” said Wayne Sanders of the West County EMS and Fire Department.

To make sure the helmet is secure, Sanders suggests that a person shake their head both up and down and sideways. If the helmet moves, it needs more adjustment. The Velcro padding in some helmets also can be adjusted to ensure a better fit. It is also recommended that one’s bike be checked to make sure it is in proper working condition, similar to the way one checks a car, Sanders said.

When preparing for summer travel, local police and state officials urge drivers to be more aware of their car’s condition, their surroundings and their stress level.

Cpl. Al Nothum, of the Public Information and Education Department for Troop C of the Missouri Highway Patrol, said his department handles a lot of accidents during the summer as a result of people driving too fast, following another car too closely and being anxious or in a hurry to get to their destination. Nothum also said there is an increase in driving under the influence (DUI) offenses during the summer months.

“Accidents increase in the summer months, not during the bad weather months,” Nothum said.

During inclement weather, Nothum said people reduce their speed and are more careful because of road conditions. To ensure a safer trip, Nothum suggests that drivers make sure their cars are in proper working order, especially fluid levels, to reduce overheating. He also recommends that road flares be on hand in case of a breakdown or accident.

In the case of an accident, Nothum urges drivers to move away from the flow of traffic and their car whenever possible. He said a number of incidents have been reported within the past year in which people have been hit by oncoming traffic when broken down on the side of the road.

Because travelers will encounter a lot of road construction throughout Missouri this summer, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) requests that drivers be patient with and be aware of the workers in those zones.

“Slow down,” said Jeffrey Briggs of MoDOT’s Public Information Department. “Buckle up. Be aware of your surroundings.”

For those opting to spend more time closer to home and at the pool, the American Red Cross offers a number of precautions people can take to ensure personal safety.

“Knowing what to do and being prepared can save time and lives,” said Nicole Holtgrefe, emergency services specialist for the American Red Cross in St. Louis.

Preparedness, Holtgrefe said, is the first step in planning any activity.

The American Red Cross suggests that people keep two types of kits easily accessible, at home and in the car, for use at any time. One kit would include the basic items when first aid is needed. The other is in case of unexpected changes in the weather that can result in power outages or being stranded while away from home.

But unexpected incidents also can occur in the backyard or at the community pool. The proper safety equipment, supervision and skin protection are the key elements the Red Cross believes will increase people’s chances of playing it safe at the pool. Holtgrefe suggests that adults and not just children swim with other people around, in case something unexpected occurs.

Holtgrefe also said proper preparedness is equally important for seniors this time of year because they are the most susceptible to heat-related issues. Because of this, Holtgrefe suggests that they, too, try to pace themselves, stay indoors during the peak heat hours, and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing while outside.

Officials said seniors also are a key target in being taken advantage of by strangers posing as legitimate business people or those willing to provide a service to make their life easier. This is another reason why community participation is so important.

“By nature, we’re very trusting,” Saulters said. “We know there’s good in people. So we just need to use more common sense and think before we act.”

Working together as a community is key to a safe and successful summer for all West Countians.

Summer Safety Checklist (Kits the American Red Cross recommends):

First Aid Kit:

• Aspirin
• Antibiotic ointment
• Oral thermometer
• Sterile gauze
• Scissors
• Blanket
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Non-latex gloves
• Tweezers
• Bandages
• Adhesive cloth tape
• Cold compress

Emergency Preparedness Kit:

• Battery-powered flashlight
• Batteries
• Energy bars
• Moist towelettes
• Rain poncho
• Bottled water
• Whistle
• Breathing mask
• Battery-powered radio
• Blanket
• Work gloves
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Water container
• First aid kit
• Light sticks

Skin Care:

• Apply a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) to all areas of the body, preferably 30 minutes before going outside for better absorption.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after exiting the pool or other body of water.
• Minimize time in the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Keep in mind that sunscreen is necessary even when the sky is overcast.
• Stay hydrated with water; heat stroke can occur if a person is not properly hydrated.
• Try to avoid caffeine or alcohol when spending a lot of time outside.

Poolside:

• Adhere to the rules of the pool (whether public or private).
• An adult should supervise all activity in a pool.
• Children should be within an arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool.
• Use a Coast Guard-approved flotation device for children or those less familiar with pool activity.
• Private pools should include a sturdy, self-closing latch gate to prevent uninvited guests or unsupervised use of the pool.

Car Care:

• Check all fluids, especially the radiator to prevent overheating.
• Maintain proper air pressure in the tires.
• Keep flares on hand in case of a breakdown or accident.
• Replace worn wiper blades.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand for everyday driving and longer trips.

Driving Tips/Reminders:

• Adhere to speed limits, especially in work zones.
• Maintain a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you as well as tailgaters.
• Pay attention to the road and avoid distractions, such as cell phones and the radio.
• Manage your stress level by not hurrying through traffic; allow extra time to arrive at your destination instead.

Neighborhood Watch:

• Participate in your neighborhood by becoming acquainted/familiar with your neighbors.
• Form a Neighborhood Watch unit with the help of the local police department.
• Keep homes and cars locked and secure at all times.
• Report suspicious activity to the police (loitering, noises, etc.).
• Leave lights on, inside and outside of the home, when you are not there.

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